Diabetics 'risk blindness with just two drinks a day'

Previous studies had suggested that small amounts of alcohol might be good for some sufferers, and shown that red wine can help protect against heart disease, which is more common in people with diabetes.

But, a new research by Utrecht University -- claimed to be the first of its kind -- has suggested a link between drinking and sight loss in diabetics, the 'Daily Express' reported.
For the study, the scientists followed 1,239 patients with type 2 diabetes and carried out eye tests. Over a period of five years, 182 suffered visual problems caused by diabetic retinopathy, which is related to their condition. There was no increase among those who drank alcohol.

However, almost 700 patients saw their overall vision deteriorate. Among this group, the risk of eye problems increased among drinkers.In fact, visual problems increased by 50 per cent in those patients who consumed up to 14 alcoholic drinks a week as compared to diabetics who didn't drink at all, according to the findings published in the 'Diabetic Medicine' journal.

Victoria King, head of research at Diabetes UK, said: "This research suggests that increased alcohol consumption could be associated with increased risk of deterioration of visual acuity in people with type 2 diabetes and Diabetes UK would be interested to see whether future research supports these findings."